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A tribute to Betty Wainwright |
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Written by Peter Burgess
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Wednesday, 20 August 2008 |
 AW and Betty (photo Mark Richards)
Betty was good for AW. AW was resolute in resisting all attempts of the press and media to invade his happy home and was suspicious of stray visitors, never answering the door or phone. As Mark Richards put it, "Betty was a practical gregarious person who shared his love of fell walking and animals, she formed a shield around him, allowing AW all the opportunity he needed to blossom in his later years holding precious his public anonymity."
AW and Betty married on 10th March 1970 at Kendal County Hall after a lengthy courtship, dragged out somewhat by both having to go through divorce proceedings with their first spouses. They had 20 happy years together up to AW's death on 20th January 1991. Betty moved from their house in Kendal to a bungalow in Burneside where she spent the last 16 years. She leaves two married daughters, Jane King and Annie Sellar.
In her latest letter in November of last year Betty was touched by the journal we again sent celebrating AW and she was particularly thankful for enlarging the print! In latter years Betty's health has been poor although she was always greatful for keeping in touch. In 2004 a stroke actually resulted in her having to learn to write again but she managed it. Her words after the inaugural meeting of the AW Society showed her pleasure in hearing the news first hand and of developments surrounding the AW works,
Thank you so much for all the details of the Inaugural meeting you sent last week. It was very kind and thoughtful of you. I am glad it has got off to such a good start. 
I am sure that Betty felt honoured to see the way that her late husband's name was being preserved for future generations of walkers. No doubt the AW legacy will continue and knowing that such a great woman was part of it, will ensure that Betty's name will remain forever part of the Alfred Wainwright phenomena.
I will end with some words from AW himself, the last lines from Wainwright in Scotland in fact, "It is all over.
Home, James. Or, in my case, Home, Betty."
Betty Wainwright, 1922 - 2008
Peter Burgess Add your words of condolence here
I am sure all members of the OFC will express their regret at Betty's passing and no doubt people will show their sadness in their own way. We have set up a page for people to express their condolences, tributes or thoughts here. |
| HAVE YOU SEEN? |
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 This five part series features an hour long documentary of the famous fell walker and guide writer, and four 30 minute programmes with Julia Bradbury walking in AW's footsteps along his favourite walks. Including Haystacks, Blencathra, Castle Crag and the highest English Munro of them all, this is a definite view for anyone interested in AW, the fells or both. |
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 As a child I remembered many famous mountaineering figures apart from the obvious character of AW more renowned for his walking exploits. However, other names featured in my perceptions of the high places. Some of them like Tom Weir featured on television, others like W. H. Murray, entertained me from the cover of a book, whilst to many the man in this article spoke to us all from the regular feature in The Manchester Guardian newspaper. A. Harry Griffin wrote an amazing Country Diary for nigh on fifty three years. In this time he took many on an amazing journey outside, what was for many, their urban homes. |
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The Lost Sheep
"A big thank-you too to Peter for piecing together the latest Lost Sheep, I feel honoured to find a place in this extra special issue and serve AW's dearest cause." Mark Richards
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